Back to the Forest

Lured back to the Forest of Dean in the hope of Goshawk images I enjoyed a lovely sunny day. Unfortunately though my main subjects of Goshawk and boar eluded me and even the adders, dipper and pied flycatchers would not pose nicely. There was plenty of wildlife around though so I didn't come back completely empty handed.

Searching for boar turned up this fine roe buck in the bluebells. And whilst watching the peregrines at Symond's Yat Rock I was distracted by this wood mouse (or might it be a yellow necked mouse?) dashing and grabbing seed from near the viewpoint wall.

Finally instead of the little owls I was hoping for this red legged partridge posed for my camera. Some days you just have to take what you can get!

Another Highland winter

I have been wanting to get back to the highlands in the snowy winter months for a few years and this February managed to get a few days there.

In the Findhorn Valley the mountain hares were numerous and some quite confiding.

This particular hare was so un-fussed by our presence that I was able to use the full range of lenses. This image is with a 16mm wide angle and it was great to show the vast mountain habitat.

 Some coveys of red grouse were in the snow as well and made for some interesting compositional opportunities.

 
 A couple of hours at Loch Garten were also rewarded with some great views of crested tits. Nice light made it a very productive photography session too